Concealed corner lock clip system

ABSTRACT

A concealed corner lock clip system for installing and securing sheet material such as laminated plastic wallboards, plywood and the like for finishing off bathtub and/or shower walls and the like; the locking system includes a vertically extending resilient clip attached to one wallboard and into which the other, adjacent wallboard can be easily and quickly inserted and locked into place; the clip is unobtrusive and compact and is completely invisible after installation.

[ Sept. 5, 1972 United States Patent Mattix 3,562,973 2/1971 Gangemi............ ....52/35X [54] CONCEALED CORNER LOCK CL'IP SYSTEM [72] Inventor:

J b M M ui 341 HenneSsy, Primary ExaminerPrice C. Faw, Jr. New Orleans, La. 70119 Attorney-Q Emmett Pugh pact ABSTRACT A concealed comer lock clip system for installing and securing sheet material such as laminated plastic wallboards, plywood and the like for finishing off bathtub and/0r shower walls and the like; the locking system includes a vertically extending resilient clip attached V to one wallboard and into which the other, adjacent wallboard can be easily and quickly inserted and locked into place; the clip is unobtrusive and com and is completely invisible after installation.

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mvsmon. JACOB M. MATTIX BY ATTORNEY PA TENZIEDSEP :912 3.688.459

SHEET 2 UP 2 In s g Q 2/ I I I; r, I II/'/ I; I f, I 11 I r! '1 I IO g A INVENTOR.

JACOB M. MATT! X M Gama 2% ATTORNEY CONCEALED CORNER LOCK CLIP SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heretofore, it has often been the practice to finish off the walls surrounding or abutting tub and shower fixtures by means of ceramic tiles. However, such finishing jobs with its requisite grouting are very time-consuming. Moreover, the finished ceramic tile walls are difficult to clean because of the presence of the mortar oints.

Although others of course have taught the use of plastic laminated wallboards and the like for finishing of shower and bathtub installations in place of the ceramic tiles and have taught various means of installing the wallboards and fixing them in place, all such prior art systems have various distinct disadvantages such as clumsiness, bulk, unattractiveness, visibility, expense and irreversibility or require some degree of skill, have leakage problems or are unduly time consuming or expensive in their application.

Examples of such prior art systems are the US. Patents to Anglinetti, No. 3,420,021; Wilhoyte, No. 2,218,273; McBride, No. 3,277,617; Hobbs, No. 2,677,268; Sperry, No. 2,219,714; Gregoire, No. 3,376,679; and Schmitt, No. 1,672,914.

In contradistinction, the present invention provides a system of attaching and locking together angularly intersecting wallboards, especially those intersecting at 90, particularly in such applications as wallboards for bathtub and shower installations, which is simply, easily and quickly utilized. The resulting installation is easily reversible, ie can be readily undone, does not harm the wallboard, does not require any critical alignment and takes no real skill to assemble. The joint provided by the installation is virtually leakproof and attractive, the clip being used in the system adding no real over-all bulk to the installation and indeed being completely invisible after installation.

Other advantages, achievements and objects of the present invention will become apparent in considering the preferred embodiment described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bathtub installation wherein the wallboards have been installed and locked into place by means of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the mating of the wallboards during installation as one wallboard panel is inserted for installation next to the other.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 and is a cross-sectional view along section lines 33 of FIG. 1 showing the clip of the system of the present invention locking one wallboard to the other, after the two have been installed.

FIG. 4, similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the clip of the present invention.

FIG. is a top, plan view of the total installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the system of the present invention has particular application to the providing of suitable wallboard or panel installations for bathtub and shower base enclosures and the like.

As is standard, there is provided three sheets 1, 2 and 3 of wallboard enclosing three sides of a bathtub installation 4. The three panels or sheets 1, 2 and 3 that comprise the outer walls above the tub 4 can be, for example, made up of five-eighths exterior plywood 5 to which either 0.050 or 1/32 laminated plastic 6 is adhered by contact cement, a composite wallboard which has been found quite satisfactory in this application. However, of course, the present invention can be applied to many difierent kinds of substantial sheet or panel materials.

One of each pair of panels, for example panel 3, to be joined together has along one side edge a resilient clip or corner lock strip 7 attached at one end to the back side 8 of the panel by means of screws or nails 9 or some other fastening means.

The clip first extends out by means of a first portion 21 in a direction generally parallel to the front surface 6 of the wallboard for a certain distance dependent upon the thickness of the edge of the panel which is to be placed in the clip 7. As noted in FIG. 2, the clip forms an angular cul-de-sac 10 with the extremity of the clip 7 forming a portion 11 directed inwardly back toward and past the front 6 of the panel to which it is attached. As seen in the illustration (FIG. 2), the second portion extends back inwardly a substantial distance back toward and angularly toward the front surface of the panel, thereby with the panel forming the cul-de-sac 10.

The clip 7 can extend down along the entire side edge of the panel, as a single, integral clip as indicated by the phantom lines 7" in FIG. 1, or there can be provided a series of similar clips down along the edge. The clip is resilient or springy and can be made of, for example, 24 or 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal, which has been found to be satisfactory. Other materials, for example, stainless steel or plastic, could be used, as long as the requisite amount of strength, durability and resiliency is maintained.

Rather than the straight line cross-sectional configuration of the clip 7 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, other configurations are possible. A second clip 7 having a rolled or rounded configuration is shown in FIG. 4. (The analogous elements of clip 7' to clip 7 are indicated by the same numbers except primed.)

The side edge surface 12 of the panel to which the clip 7 is attached has a slight relief bevel, a 5 bevel usually being adequate. Also included in and extending down along the side edge surface 12 is a sealant groove 13.

A rabbet or rectangular cut-out 14 is provided in thy adjacent panel (for example panel 2) along the side edge surface which is to be juxtaposed to the first panel. The rabbet 14, as will be seen, serves as a mating or receiving area for the extremity arm 11 of the clip 7. The presence of the rabbet or cut-out allows for a more positive mating and locking action with the clip 7 and also results in a finished structure having no increased bulk in spite of the presence of the clip structure 7 by allowing the back side of the panel to lie flat or flush against the basic support structure (note FIG. 3). As illustrated, the thickness of the edge 17 to be inserted into the clip 7 is less than the certain distance which the first portion 21 of the clip 7 extends out from the side of the panel to which the clip is attached.

The clips 7 with the bevel surfaces 12 and the grooves 13 as well .as the rabbet 14 are provided on the panels during manufacture or in the shop where they can be done on a production basis. There is thus no make-up work necessary on site, leaving only a simple installation job.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the system includes the following easy and straightforward steps for installation of the tub or shower enclosure in the field.

The initial panel (for example panel 3) with the clip thereon is first attached by sealant or other fixing means such as screws 18' to the basic support structure of the building. As is standard, studs 15 to which gypsum board (e.g. that sold under the trademark Sheetrock) 16 or other such material is attached is provided for the basic support structure (note FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the cul-de-sac portion of the clip is thus exposed. Sealant material 22 is then placed along the beveled surface 12 and in the groove 13.

The leading edge 17 of the other panel (for example the right hand portion of panel 2) of the combination is then angularly inserted, i.e. at an acute angle to the surface 6 of the initial panel, into the cul-de-sac 110 (note straight directional arrow) until it meets with the back of the clip 7. The mouth of the clip 7, i.e. the entrance into the cul-de-sac, is designed to have substantially the same dimension, i.e. be of the same order of magnitude, as the thickness of the panel to be inserted to allow for easy insertion but still having sufficient interaction between the two. The panel is then swung (note curved directional arrow) against the resilient force of the inwardly extending arm 11 of the clip 7 until it is fiat against the Sheetrock 16, as shown in FIG. 3. The panel by the resilient force of the clip is thus locked into place at its intersection edge. A rounded dimple 19 is provided at the leading edge of the exten sion arm 11 of the clip 7 so as to provide a smooth rounded mating surface with the panel as it is rotated against the clip. The panel after being completely rotated is then fastened to its basic support structure at its opposite edge by some suitable means.

When the sealant material 22 at the intersection of the two panels is applied, a tight, water-proof joint results. The slight bevel in the surface 12 and the groove 13 help to provide a good cavity for holding the sealant material and producing a strong bond.

One panel is thus joined and locked to the other by a simple and quick one-two method of insertion and rotation. Moreover, the flexibility and resiliency of the clip also allows greater tolerance in the placing of the panels and tends to equalize any tensions which may arise in the enclosure installation.

In the particular installation shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the panel 3 is the first to be attached to the basic support structure. This is because the cut-outs 20 must be aligned with the faucets and controls of the already installed water pipe system. Panel 2 is then angularly inserted into the clip 7 of panel 3 and rotated against the back wall and at least temporarily fastened. Finally panel 1 is then angularly inserted into the clip 7 of panel 2, rotated and fastened by means of screws 18, providing the full basic enclosure. Just a temporary fastening of panel 2 at its left side, as for example by blocking or physically holding by a helper or apprentice, is sufficient because once panel 1 is inserted and permanently affixed to the support structure, panel 2 is locked into place by the actions of panels 1 and 3.

If the alignment of either side panel were not the most basic desirata, the back or middle panel could then be provided with clips at both of its edges and each side panel provided with the rabbet or cut-out. The middle panel would then be the first to be installed and the side panels thereafter.

The present method thus results in a simple and trouble-free method of installing several pieces of wallboard to form the wall around, for example, a bathtub or shower base. It also provides a system which can be reversed or undone, if desired, by merely unscrewing the screws 18 and 18' and taking 011 the wallboards, no real destruction or damage being caused to the wallboards in the process.

To finish off the installation, sealant material is provided along all the exposed edges of the paneling. Finally standard wainscoating or cover strips can be added or the panels left unfinished and painted. The panels are then cleaned for the totally finished job.

The builder is thus provided with a system which is easier and simpler to install and very economical besides. The resulting installation provides the home owner with a water-proof wall covering, which is very easy to clean, more sanitary, very attractive and virtually carefree.

Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the description requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limited sense.

What is claimed as invention is: l. A wall installation system for installing at ieast two adjacent panels (5) of sheet material which angularly intersect on a basic support structure (15, 16) when installed thereon comprising:

a first panel of sheet material having at least one clip (7, 7') installed along a side edge thereof;

said clip having a first portion (21, 21') extending out away from the edge of said first panel at a point removed from the front surface (6) of said first panel in a direction generally parallel to said front surface for a certain distance, and a second portion (11, 11') connected to said first portion extending back inwardly a substantial distance toward the panel and angularly toward the front surface of said first panel, thereby with said first panel defining a cul-de-sac (10, 10) having a mouth of a certain dimension, said second portion having a limited raised area extending out from its generally flat surface into said cul-de-sac, said clip being at least in part of a resilient material so that said second portion flexibly bears toward the front surface of said panel; and

a second panel of sheet material for installation next to and at an angular disposition to said first panel having a thickness at the edge (17) to be juxtaposed to said first panel of the same order of magnitude as said certain dimension but less than said certain distance; whereby said second panel can be easily inserted at an angle into the cul-desac formed by the clip and the first panel and rotated against the resilient force of the clip to the desired angle of installation, thereby being locked into place at its inserted edge by the clip by means of said limited raised area holding the inserted edge against the side edge (12) of said first panel.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said clip is installed along the side edge of said first panel by attachment means (9) for attaching the clip to at least the back side (8) of said first panel, said attachment means including an extended attachment leg (23, 23') which will mate with the back side of said first panel.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said attachment means includes a second attachment leg (24, 24) extending generally perpendicular to the first attachment leg, which will mate with the side edge (12) of said first panel.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said raised area generally makes only a line contact with said second panel in holding the inserted edge of said second panel against the side edge of said first panel.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said line contact occurs at the leading edge or extremity of said second portion of said clip.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said second panel has a cut-out portion adapted to receive said second portion of said clip, said cut-out portion comprising a rabbet having a depth which is greater than the difference between said certain distance and said thickness of the edge of said second panel, whereby the clip does not protrude past the back side of said second panel allowing said second panel to be laid and installed flush against the basic support structure.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the wall installation system further includes:

a third panel of sheet material for installation next to and at an angular disposition to a selected one of said first or said second panels; and

a second clip attached to a selected one of said third panel or said selected one of said first and second panels, said second clip and the panel to which it is attached having the same structural characteristics recited above with respect to said first clip and said first panel and the panel to be inserted into said second clip having the same structural characteristics recited above with respect to said second panel.

8. The three panel wall installation of claim 7 wherein said first panel is to be installed centrally to the other two panels and has installed at one side edge said first clip and has at its other side edge a cut-out portion adapted to receive said second portion of said second clip when said first panel is inserted into and rotated against said second clip.

9. The three panel wall installation of claim 8 wherein said first panel is to be installed centrally to the other two panels and has installed along its two side edges both said first and said second clips, respectively, said second and third panels having cut-out portions at their side edges to be placed adjacent to said first, central panel, said cut-out portions adapted to receive said second portions of said first and second clips, respectively, when said panels are inserted and rotated against said clips.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said clip, in being installed on said first panel, makes contact with said first panel only on its back side and/or its side edge,

whereby the clip is completely out-of-sight after said second panel is fully installed with said first panel. 

1. A wall installation system for installing at least two adjacent panels (5) of sheet material which angularly intersect on a basic support structure (15, 16) when installed thereon comprising: a first panel of sheet material having at least one clip (7, 7'') installed along a side edge thereof; said clip having a first portion (21, 21'') extending out away from the edge of said first panel at a point removed from the front surface (6) of said first panel in a direction generally parallel to said front surface for a certain distance, and a second portion (11, 11'') connected to said first portion extending back inwardly a substantial distance toward the panel and angularly toward the front surface of said first panel, thereby with said first panel defining a cul-de-sac (10, 10'') having a mouth of a certain dimension, said second portion having a limited raised area extending out from its generally flat surface into said cul-de-sac, said clip being at least in part of a resilient material so that said second portion flexibly bears toward the front surface of said panel; and a second panel of sheet material for installation next to and at an angular disposition to said first panel having a thickness at the edge (17) to be juxtaposed to said first panel of the same order of magnitude as said certain dimension but less than said certain distance; whereby said second panel can be easily inserted at an angle into the cul-de-sac formed by the clip and the first panel and rotated against the resilient force of the clip to the desired angle of installation, thereby being locked into place at its inserted edge by the clip by means of said limited raised area holding the inserted edge against the side edge (12) of said first panel.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said clip is installed along the side edge of said first panel by attachment means (9) for attaching the clip to at least the back side (8) of said first panel, said attachment means including an extended attachment leg (23, 23'') which will mate with the back side of said first panel.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said attachment means includes a second attachment leg (24, 24'') extending generally perpendicular to the first attachment leg, which will mate with the side edge (12) of said first panel.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said raised area generally makes only a line contact with said second panel in holding the inserted edge of said second panel against the side edge of said first panel.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein said line contact occurs at the leading edge or extremity of said second portion of said clip.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said second panel has a cut-out portion adapted to receive said second portion of said clip, said cut-out portion comprising a rabbet having a depth which is greater than the difference between said certain distance and said thickness of the edge of said second panel, whereby the clip does not protrude past the back side of said second panel allowing said second panel to be laid and installed flush against the basic support structure.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the wall installation system further includes: a third panel of sheet material for installation next to and at an angular disposition to a selected one of said first oR said second panels; and a second clip attached to a selected one of said third panel or said selected one of said first and second panels, said second clip and the panel to which it is attached having the same structural characteristics recited above with respect to said first clip and said first panel and the panel to be inserted into said second clip having the same structural characteristics recited above with respect to said second panel.
 8. The three panel wall installation of claim 7 wherein said first panel is to be installed centrally to the other two panels and has installed at one side edge said first clip and has at its other side edge a cut-out portion adapted to receive said second portion of said second clip when said first panel is inserted into and rotated against said second clip.
 9. The three panel wall installation of claim 8 wherein said first panel is to be installed centrally to the other two panels and has installed along its two side edges both said first and said second clips, respectively, said second and third panels having cut-out portions at their side edges to be placed adjacent to said first, central panel, said cut-out portions adapted to receive said second portions of said first and second clips, respectively, when said panels are inserted and rotated against said clips.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said clip, in being installed on said first panel, makes contact with said first panel only on its back side and/or its side edge, whereby the clip is completely out-of-sight after said second panel is fully installed with said first panel. 